36 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2017 State Water Trails Guide
Launch Alternatives
Various alternatives to shoreline launch design can serve various
watercraft types and user groups. The following three categories
of launches – natural shoreline launch, ramp launch, and shoreline
landings – can aid in determining the method best suited to your
water trail access project and the type of water body involved.
Natural Shoreline Launch: Natural shoreline launches are best
suited for lakes or rivers that have stable channels and shallow
embankments during seasonally average water elevations. Shoreline
launches that consist of sandy material are best as they can better
withstand the foot traffic and dragging actions of pulling watercraft
off the shore. Sand or sandy soil natural shores when placed
on the right location can self-repair as river flows deposit sand
and sediment. Bare soil surfaces are less desirable as they are
persistently muddy and subject to shoreline erosion from foot traffic
and launching actions. Enhancing a soil surface shoreline with open
cell geotextile matting infilled with aggregate can better stabilize the
launch, however must be securely anchored in place so as not be
eroded by water flow occurrences. Attempts to provide vegetation to
stabilize a natural shoreline launch are not expected to be successful.
Frequent use of the launch will trample the vegetation and water
inundation will lead to vegetation loss.
Natural shoreline launches best accommodate canoes, kayaks,
inner tubes, SUPs, and "tanking," but prohibit trailered motorboat
launching. Additionally, natural shorelines provide minimal
accessibility for persons requiring mobility-assist devices (wheelchair,
walker, braces) and need firm and stable surfaces to launch.
KAYAKING
ON
POND
WITH
NATURAL
SHORELINE
LAUNCH
KAYAKING
AT
FORT
KEARNY
STATE
RECREATION
AREA
WITH
NATURAL
SHORELINE
LAUNCH
